The role of host cell proteins in survival and propagation of the human malaria parasite P. falciparum.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jude Marek Przyborski
• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens ; Cell Biology
• Term: from 2017 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 391524768

The malaria parasite P. falciparum modifies its chosen host cell, the mature human erythrocyte. This modification is mediated by a number of parasite-encoded proteins that are transported to the host cell. It is however not clear how these proteins are transported to the host cell. This project aims to understand this process. Our hypothesis is that human proteins are recruited by the parasite to aid in transport of its own proteins to the host erythrocyte. Using a variety of methods, we aim to study the role of human chaperones in this process. Potential new mechanisms which we uncover may provide a potential achilles heel for development of anti-parasite therapies.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants